MG name to return to Le Mans

Rover Group Ltd, which owns MG, and Lola Cars are both part of the Phoenix consortium. As part of a major image re-building exercise for the British manufacturer, Lola is also set to build Rover 45s for the British Touring Car Championship.

Commenting on the MG Lola project, Martin Birrane, the executive chairman of Lola Cars said: "This is an historic day in the history of Lola Cars International Ltd. It's been my aim since taking over the company in 1997 to be involved with a major manufacturer, and to be in partnership with a marque such as MG is an honour.

"Everyone at Lola is very proud to be associated with such a great British name. Hopefully, we can add to the legendary history of the MG name by giving it success at Le Mans."

MG's Le Mans record includes five class wins, with the final one coming in 1963.

Today's (Friday's) announcement does not specify whether the MG Lola will be entered in the LMP900 class or the lighter, but less powerful LMP675 class, but speculation points to the latter. Lola ran cars in both classes at Le Mans this year, taking an LMP675 class win with its B2K/40 SR2 machine.